Experiments with sun printing

Learn to print using the sun and the river

In this workshop we'll use the cyanotype process to make prints using the sun, and we'll explore different ways to interrupt exposures to make interesting images.

Using water from the Fraser River, as well as salt, vinegar, dish soap, and other kitchen supplies, we'll mess with the exposure to make interesting textures. We'll experiment with double exposures to see how we can layer up an image. And we'll look at ways to introduce pops of colour during the exposure.

Through these experiments, we'll explore Richmond's early mudflat and bog ecologies, its transformation into agricultural lands through the construction of dikes and ditches, and the constant fight to keep the Fraser River at bay.

What to bring

All materials will be provided but, if you like, bring something that makes you think of Richmond's agricultural present or history- e.g. veggies from your fridge or garden, fruit tree leaves, or any object that has an interesting silhouette.

Read about the cyanotype process: https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/cyanotype-photography

Read about photograms: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/p/photogram

Timing

There are two sessions available, and we'll have about 2.5 hours to make our prints in each session. Cyanotype is a slow process and we'll spend a lot of time observing and checking our prints to see when we want to start developing them.

About the Branscombe Artist Residency

Branscombe House is one of the earliest settler homes in Steveston and is significant for its historical association to the development of the area, both as a residential building and through the Branscombe family’s general store. Cat Hart is the current artist in residence exploring this history through eco-arts processes.

Any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at cathrynhart@gmail.com.